The New Orleans Saints will be going through a rebuilding phase this offseason, especially on offense, according to NOLA.com. The Saints need to reload if they even hope to compete against a team like the Carolina Panthers. This starts by recognizing the players on the roster that are expendable, especially those who are constantly lacking in production. Wide receiver Marques Colston is a perfect example of a declining veteran with a big cap hit. The Saints have around $6 million in cap space and more holes than Swiss cheese; if they are going to revamp any part of their roster, players with big cap hits must be either released or have their contracts renegotiated.
At 32 it is safe to say that Colston has passed his prime and is in the twilight of his career. This is exactly why the Saints see paying his $5.9 million cap hit as a waste of money. This is a time when they need to maximize the production on their roster considering Drew Brees will not be their starting quarterback forever, according to USA Today.
In 2015, Colston played in 13 games but only started in four of them. In those games he recorded 45 receptions, 520 yards, 11.6 yards per carry and four touchdowns. Colston has never seen such a steep dive in production which could signify that he is reaching the end of his NFL career.
The Saints have three young wide receivers in Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman who will look to take on Colston's targets and production. Coleman in particular seems to be the heir apparent to Colston, according to NOLA.com. The Saints will need to revamp this passing attack if they hope to win any games in 2016.
